Inspired by reading a post at Dr. Andrew Jones’ blog, I started doing a little research on animal abuse laws. Took most of the day. I’m sure I could dedicate a lot of time in this. But here’s a little afore as to why I am reluctant to get too involved animal abuse and shelter/rescue efforts personally.

I worked at a local pet store a few years ago. It suddenly closed due to the owner not paying lease monies, among other things. But the important part, for this post, is that co-worker ran a non-registered charity cat shelter. The store owner allowed this shelter to adopt out these abandoned cats in the store. It’s why I’ll never be able to personally (that means, in person) be able to help at a shelter or rescue site. Some of the stories and situations in which these poor cats were surrendered or found scarred me for life. To the point where I dreaded going to work because I may hear or see something worse. My heart just broke over and over every time I saw a new cat. Most of the cats in the store were abandoned kittens, ripped from their mother way too early to ever be able to grow up and function normally, emotionally. Even though these cats now had food, water and a warm, safe place to be, that was about the extent of their existence. No one to love them or cherish them. And minimal care (only basic poor quality food and veterinary care) due to lack of finances. It was a horrible, horrible experience for me.

That said, even though I couldn’t personally be involved (I’d be an emotional basket case, or a ravening vigilante), I certainly can make a difference in other ways. Financially (supporting local shelters and rescues, even a little can help a lot), and through sharing information.

There are always local shelters and rescue groups at your fingertips. A Google search will link you to many. But what about preventing animal abuse and abandonment at the source? The humans who perpetrate heinous and unthinkable crimes against innocent animals? Did you know that the current Canadian law on animal abuse was enacted in 1892? That is not a typo! Current animal abuse laws are desperately in need of some updating.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies site has listing of Provincial Animal Protection Laws, if you are interested in reading about what is current in your province.

If you need to report an animal abuse situation, visit the Ontario SPCA site.

Other ways to help prevent animal abuse is through educating your children at home or in school. Another idea I really liked was in starting a neighborhood watch, just like you see for kids, but for pets. In Durham Region, there is a neighborhood watch program through the Durham Police (not for pets specifically).

Also see The Humane Society of Durham Region

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